Amber had not gotten around to the interview with Foster Harris until early afternoon. Now as he sat silently staring at his hands clasped between wide-spaced knees, she wished she had canceled it entirely. She was fast losing her patience with him.
“Frankly, Harris, I still don’t understand. Your behavior borders on irresponsibility. According to my records, you have been late for work several times in the past few weeks. You don’t even bother to show up on Fridays. Your thoughtlessness has inconvenienced our children’s families, not to mention diminished the reputation of this school.” Amber sat with her back to a window, behind the large oak desk in her corner office. She had a view of both the lake and the woods. Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves covered two walls, the taupe and cream geometrically patterned velvet sofa and oak coffee table were positioned beneath the picture window against the far wall.
Harris sat in one of the two caramel leather armchairs directly in front of Amber’s desk, annoyed with himself when he found no matter how hard he tried he could not meet his employer’s eyes. It wasn’t her reprimand that intimidated him or her cool professionalism. It was her beauty.
Beautiful women had always affected him. Harris remembered how his mother looked when she got ready to go out for the evening. She had been so lovely, like a fairy-tale princess to the small boy ... so perfect
“Harris?”
“Yes?” The young man blinked quickly. He was thin with legs and arms that seemed too long for his frail body. His light brown hair and pale blue eyes were nondescript. Nothing about him was distinctive, except for the missing digit on his right hand.
“I’d like an explanation, please.”
“I didn’t feel well. Catching the flu, I guess,” he mumbled the lie. He really tied one on the other night and awakened with a terrible hangover. He could not sleep that night. Every time he closed his eyes, he would dream and with the dream came the voices again: Ben’s voice, Mama’s voice, the voices of the others... all screaming at him.
“I took a chance on hiring you without local references. Mrs. Gordon at the employment agency in Burlington convinced me that you were reliable. Up until recently, I agreed with her. I’ve had no complaints about your work. In fact... ”
Although Amber continued talking, Harris was not listening. He was remembering how his mother used to pile her hair on top of her head like that. She had thick dark brown hair, too. Funny how he never noticed that before. Harris frowned as he recalled how his mother would be gone for a long time. Sometimes in his childish imagination, he worried that she’d hurt herself or gotten lost. He did not want to believe that she was living it up with some man and forgotten that she even had two sons. Harris had been left with his older brother, Ben. Harris’s hands began to shake. No, he did not want to think about Ben or how Ben had hurt him. Ben made him swear never to tell their mother.
“Well?” Amber paused.
“I promise it won’t happen again,” he said, saying the first thing that popped into his head. “If that’s all, I need to get back to the kitchen. Promised Mrs. Westmore I’d fix the garbage disposal today.”
Amber knew that she had lost control of the interview, but she wasn’t quite certain how it happened. To tell the truth, she honestly didn’t much care. For once she couldn’t get past her personal problems.
She had not been able to concentrate on much of anything but the man resting upstairs in her apartment. She was ashamed of her loss of control this morning. It was a foolish mistake to let Ray see her fear. How was she going to convince him that he was wrong about her—that she didn’t need his protection, but his loving support?
“Miss Spencer?”
“Yes, you can go back to work. I’m warning you, I want to see a change. No repeat of the last week, or I’m afraid I won’t be able to keep you on. I’d like to believe in you, Harris, I really would, but it all depends on you. I would like to be able to count on you.”
“You can. I won’t let you down,” he said with a forced smile, his eyes chilling. He closed the door quietly behind him.
Amber sat for a long time staring at the empty chair in front of her. She sighed audibly, reviewing the interview in her mind. For just a second, Harris made her feel decidedly uncomfortable.
“You’re just tired,” she mumbled to herself. She was also sick of trying to figure out why Ray easily accepted her reason for being in bed with him. Shivers of remembered pleasure raced down her spine, but she refused to focus on them.
What was the point? Their lovemaking had happened so long ago. While he considered it a mistake, a temporary weakness that he would go to his grave regretting, Amber thought of it as a night of pure magic. She might have been young, but she knew how she felt about him. She would not have let it happen if she had not been in love with him.
Ray had been sleeping so peacefully when she brought up his lunch tray that she did not have the heart to disturb him. She left a note on his dresser and the covered dishes on the kitchen counter. He needed rest now, more than anything else.
“Come,” Amber called in response to the knock on the door. She was on the last page of the psychological evaluation Wayne Adams, Ginger’s husband, had prepared on one of their students.
“I need your John Hancock on these letters. Isn’t it strange how the food truck arrives just as Mrs. Westmore is preparing to leave for the day?” Lynn Baldwin shook her head.
“Is it that time already? The children will be preparing to leave soon. You should have called me, Lynn. I could have helped put the food away.” Amber frowned as she scrawled her signature.
“You were in conference with Harris. Nothing to concern yourself about—I took care of it After that delicious clam chowder, homemade buttermilk biscuits, and apple turnovers Mrs. Westmore prepared today, I didn’t have the heart to delay her by even a single second. The woman needs her rest so she will be here bright and early tomorrow morning. My dear, we couldn’t have anything interfering with her creative processes.” Lynn laughed.
Amber joined in. She’d come to depend on Lynn’s good cheer, efficiency, and her sound advice. “Thanks. I owe you one,” Amber said, returning the documents to the child’s folder.
“Pardon my frankness, but you look like hell. Why don’t you call it a day? Amber, you can’t continue to do everything. You’re wearing yourself down.”
“I know. One quick call first. I need to talk to your husband. It helps that Alex is the head of the Early Childhood Department at the college. As soon as we have those student teachers in place, things should settle down nicely.”
“The way he complains, I’m beginning to suspect those students may be more trouble than help,” Lynn said, lifting a brow.
Amber laughed. “Oh, Lynn, what would I do without you?”
Lynn’s eyes twinkled. She was ready to get down to the heart of the matter. “Tell me, how is your house guest? I’ve heard some interesting things. He’s tall, dark, and sexy, in his late thirties, and available. I was hoping for a peek at him just to make sure Ginger didn’t miss any important details. My... my, did he ever sound sexy on the phone this morning. Girl, I can’t wait to meet him.”
Amber blushed in spite of herself. “I should have known Ginger Adams couldn’t keep her mouth shut, especially about a man.” Amber did not really object to being the subject under discussion. Anything said between the three friends stayed between the three of them. Lynn and Ginger were interested in her happiness—which meant, to their way of thinking, they thought she should be married like they were. She had almost given up on her effort to convince them that her life-style suited her needs. If only they would stop competing with each other in hopes of finding her a husband.
“I will tell you the same thing I told your friend, Ginger,” Amber said as she pointed a finger at her secretary.“Ray is an old and dear friend. He is family, Lynn.” She paused to let that information sink in. “Unfortunately he’s recovering from extensive surgery.”
“That’s a shame,” Lynn said, noting her boss’s troubled features. She would never forget Amber’s kindness to her. She had given Lynn a chance, even though she had not worked since before her oldest child was born.
After taking time off to raise her children, Lynn found the job opportunities in the small college town almost nonexistent. Amber had given her reason to be proud of her own abilities. And for the first time, she was not just someone’s mother or wife, but she was her own person.
“I just hope Ray stays until he’s fully recovered,” Amber grumbled worriedly, but knowing him that was doubtful. Measuring their time together in the last five years wouldn’t fill a good-size teapot. That had been how they had managed to maintain their resolution by staying close but in their own special way.
“If you put your mind to it, I’m sure you can convince him he wants to stay,” Lynn said softly, convinced that Amber was not being completely open about her feelings for Ray. They might see each other as family, but that did not explain the warmth in Amber’s voice whenever she mentioned his name or the sparkle in her eyes. Whether she was willing to admit it or not, Amber was in love with the man.
As Lynn went through the open door toward her desk in the reception area, she said, “Oh, Jason asked me to tell you he has band practice after school every day this week and can’t finish cleaning out the shed until Saturday, if that’s all right with you.”
“Saturday is fine,” Amber said, punching out the number to the college and hoping Lynn was right and that Ray would stay until he was well.
“Are you sure you’re up to this? Lynn will understand if we cancel. She frequently gives these cocktail parties.” Amber’s anxious gaze momentarily left the road in order to caress Ray’s profile.
He stared out the window, concentrated on keeping his dark hungry eyes off the beautiful woman beside him. He considered himself to be a private man, normally comfortable with his aloneness. Yet he had turned to Amber during a weak moment, never doubting his welcome. His trust in her was absolute. She in turn had given of herself, asking for nothing in return. Their relationship was so simple, yet in many ways complex.
Beneath the concern, he had recognized the eagerness in her voice. This evening was important to her. She clearly was looking forward to sharing her friends with him. How could he refuse, especially when he knew that his consent had meant the world to her?
He said softly, “I want to meet your friends. Besides, you’ve been cooped up in the house with me long enough.”
The sweetness of their quiet evenings together these past few weeks had been a rare treat, as well as an exquisite form of torment for him. His need for her rode him continuously, much more intense than ever before. What he could not understand was why it was so acute this time.
It was not as if they never saw each other. They spent time together. Yet since their reconciliation, their times together had never been like this. He felt a raw kind of hunger that often left him awake for hours, replaying every moment of the day that they had spent together. What was so different about this visit? Was it due to his close brush with death? Or had something changed between them that he simply was not aware of. Was it Amber... or was he the problem?
They were using Amber’s small compact car for the trip to the east side of Shelly. Although the calendar said April, there were few signs of spring in the Vermont countryside. The ground was still covered with the frozen remains of winter.
Her soft laughter filled him with sweet warmth.
“I have no complaints.” She was thrilled that he was finally on the mend, proud that her care had done this for him, and deeply grateful that he had stayed. She knew she would have been heartbroken if he kept his condition a secret from her and recovered on his own in D.C.
They chatted easily, discussing all sorts of topics yet nothing of any real consequence. She turned left onto Chandler Drive.
“The Baldwins’ house is at the end of the subdivision. The redbrick house.”
“You weren’t exaggerating when you said the Baldwins know how to give a party.”
A double row of cars lined each side of the wide circular driveway and the street. They were forced to park almost a block away from sprawling well-lit house.
“Lynn loves to go all out for these things, although she claims she is only returning a favor. Her husband, Alex, heads the Early Childhood Department at the college. I know you’re going to like them both. They’ve become such good friends.” Amber laughed. “She’s a great organizer. I couldn’t get along without her.” She swung gracefully out of the car, putting a slim black-gloved hand into his wide palm.
“Apparently your secretary doesn’t need the job,” Ray commented as he eyed the stately lines of the exterior.
“You wouldn’t hold that against her, would you?” Amber turned her face up to his, laughter sparking in her eyes. Her gaze lingered on his full, seductive mouth beneath the fall of that thick mustache.
“Never. You are looking awfully pretty tonight,” he said softly. One large hand smoothed the fur on the turned- up collar of her black full-length mink coat after flicking the brass door knocker.
Amber’s beauty and genuine warmth came from deep within and was something he’d come to value. As his body healed, his sense of urgency increased. Before too long he would be returning to the Middle East in order to complete his work. The difference this time was he did not want to leave. There was no need for him to remind himself that his life was very different and separate from hers.
Amber took in his tall, muscular frame with silent enjoyment. The dark brown tweed sport coat cream cashmere sweater, and camel-colored dress slacks suited him. The tan leather overcoat seemed to barely contain the width of his shoulders and powerful forearms. He had lost weight during his illness. It was evident in his midsection and in the gauntness of his copper brown cheeks.
Lynn opened the door with arms stretched wide in welcome. The party was in full swing, encompassing Alex’s colleagues, nursery school staff members, and a number of parents who worked for the university and had their children enrolled in the nursery school. In a community as small and friendly as Shelly, everyone knew everyone else. Amber was thrilled to introduce Ray around. And it had nothing to do with his celebrity status—it had to do with the man himself. He was not only someone she admired, but someone she liked and trusted.
Alex Baldwin was an intense, highly intelligent African-American man. He was a man of humble beginnings who had fought his way out of the ghetto with ruthless determination. His quiet strength was a perfect foil to his lovely, vivacious wife.
Alex and Ray hit it off right from the start, discovering a mutual interest in politics and fascination with antique weapons.
When Amber was sidetracked, Ray went in search of a bit of peace and quiet. He ducked inside of the room Alex had pointed out as the family room.
“Sorry,” Ray said when he discovered the room was occupied. “Thought I’d just take a breather.”
“Come on in,” the teenage boy urged. “I’m Jason Baldwin. Just watching the Lakers and the Celtics. Boston has them by six points. You like basketball?”
“Love it. Thanks for inviting me in. I could use the break. Too many people for me. I’m Ray Coleman.” He shook hands with the boy, then took one of the chairs in front of the wide-screen television. Across the room a roll-top desk stood beneath a series of windows. The drapes had been left open, adding to the sense of peace and tranquility.
“You’re Miss Spencer’s friend from Washington. Mom was telling Dad about you the other night How ya feelin’? Heard you’ve been sick.”
“Much better, thanks.” Ray grinned, not the least offended. The small size of the African-American community enabled people to get to know each other. They really seemed to care about one another. No big city indifference here.
“I work for Ms. Spencer, like my mom does. I do errands and take care of the yard. I’m saving up for a set of barbells.” The boy beamed with pride.
Ray estimated Jason was about thirteen. The small, painfully thin youth resembled his mother with that open winning smile.
“Will you look at that—another one for Boston!”
Ray was able to fully relax for the first time that evening. “My older brothers, Chad and Brian, play basketball for Michigan State. Chad’s on the freshmen team and Brian’s a junior,” Jason declared proudly.
Ray nodded. He liked the Baldwins down to the youngest member. “Are you planning to go out for the team?”
“When I get to high school. I’m still too small. Once I get those weights, man, there will be no stopping me.” When Ray did not laugh at him, but nodded his agreement, Ray had unknowingly gained a friend for life. Jason asked, eyeing the other’s powerful forearms and shoulders, “Do you work out with weights?”
“When I have the time.” Ray offered a rare smile.
“Robert’s Sporting Goods in town has the set I’m interested in. I read about them in one—”
“So this is where you disappeared. What’s the score, son?” Alex came into the book-lined room, a wide smile on his light brown face. He was a stocky man of medium height, with salt and pepper hair and lively black eyes.
“Seventy, sixty-five, Boston. I was just telling Mr. Coleman about the set of weights in Robert’s, Dad.”
“I bet.” He nodded with an indulgent smile. “Looks like a good game,” he said, eyes on the screen. “Lynn has a spread set up in the dining room, Ray. She would have my head if she thought one of our guests missed out.”
Ray would have rather stayed and watched the game, but quietly gave in to his fate. “Thanks for the company, Jason.”
Neither man noted the shadowy figure disengage himself from a nearby tree he’d been propped against, or saw him lift the open whiskey bottle to his mouth. Harris drank deeply from it, oblivious to the cold as his heavy-lidded eyes remained steadfastly on the boy engrossed in the action on the television.
Once Ray and Alex were in the hallway, Alex chuckled. “Hope Jason didn’t bend your ear too much. Like the other Baldwin males, that kid is basketball crazy. I don’t know how Lynn puts up with us.”
“Jason is a great kid. You’re a lucky man,” Ray said with a bit more wistfulness than he intended.
As they walked beneath the wide arch that led into the living room, Ray quickly scanned the room until he found Amber. She was in front of the brick-walled fireplace talking to the same guy she had been in conversation with when he’d slipped out earlier. He was the only one she’d neglected to introduce him to.
“Who’s that with Amber?”